Weighing device



NOV. 3, 1953 MacBRlDE 2,657,921

WEIGHING DEVICE Filed June 4, 1948 2 Sheets-Sheet l Bnventor Gttorneg Patented Nov. 3, 1953 UNITED BATENT 2 ,.657,921 YWQSIGHING DEYIGE iexhesi a,- Ms h e t lssh hs ss he: Application June ,4, 1948, Serial N6. 31,041

Qlzie c1- 3fi5-.-2?

Th ,ihvehiieh sls sts wei hin eie ise and m re ssrtisiiisriy' is trheh r tende t take t h s-e e th wel ,khe h lever ystem of scal the h' iss eu hhieht w e ei .a ravity le s weight, sr'p es hr e a be weig e an the sme h ee eh e shiteh e h ie te Pris s h s'fih shh sh; m y o he Wei h n e es he 'l dhses th a pli lead t o h the se ess-r se s rie pr ev i rder that the ihsi h ls sihs qr lees indicates might be of eeh eh eh eh iish and us ul ess In large eapacity scales or'sirxiilar machines, the various ye'rs and'l i 'hh ss sub t heavy ben n stresses; Consequently, theyare neeessarily more or le s s i e hhi'b ssihe and i fi o adhis? s l s h req e aeehr y Q a ib a io and also the proper sensitivity to any small changes in load. It pan be fairly stated that Wei hin de ses i to and ineiudih those of the he 'vr h t pe. b eason of the r gedss of their parts, pqssess pensiderable inertia which often gauses the indicated load to tend to lag :behind or over-shoot the actually applied e s sh is vis hs i shisr true if her ephe u load.

i M re ll #11? Prese t i ve tio is des shss i ta e h P e Q t e us al l ve F sii (if h W in i sviss and be p duced ro lig ter sh i'ere s hhsst p r wit lessshi' i ll Wlytihs e fi ie ci' a d ac uracy-thereo shd h s hel fese c t tut ne of the more ih Q h adva ta an iee "Anbthenobjeet of the inyention lies in the s s hl i We ghin d vice that includes relatively movable parts v v h ich are l-lnsually free fish-' i er ia f c Another important object of the invention lies in the provision of operative parts 50 vconstrueted and arranged as t9 be readily removable for inspection, repair, or replacement.

' A still further object of the inyention lies in t ev ess th t ma be ehnren ntly altered to adjust the cal rat'qn thereof.

'A ditienan it is c s dei dtfo b an impo tant s s se f t e ih'v i bh to provide. a wei h.- ing device that is inexpensive to manuliaetnre, since the parts thereof readily lend themselves to convenient and economical m%lnufactur ing operations and for the most part thereby elimihate the usual eare'ful han d crait that isso frefluently found in lever type seales.

Other important .obj epts and advantages rot-the invention will be .rriore fullyunderstpoql fr oln a eehsidersh e eii ih sheeifi stieh-isheh 1?? es 'l l i ii hil s h n the ap lied 2 n qhihh i s w h he ac mpanyin win l d i which h s 1 s s h... hesi i w pi e ei i e embeds: i s sh o m o e in e ti e tain ts b 5 i s aken n see she for e' v h sf s? closure; H

Fig 2 is a perspeptive View sirnilar to Fig. 1, pa -ts he hs hi'q e is y to shew e 'i Of he s 'hhthrsi eta ls s 3 s s s de .e eystis Y e f the hi ir me t hewh n h s 1 w t a ts i he shls e and Weight indicating strueture removed;

hi e is e j view ih e s .Fi shs e sh hse in hesitis 9 t fs si'w h e s applied to the platform; h s 5 s s si e el te' i s Vi of e ss fisst q of h hr ehh shewi ie he us W inertia iterat v ha t v his 6 i sh h sreeei ra m nt r R l p fi l iew p a a t of t histieiih s hhsht h t r?- ire e ew the sdi ies ieh h is- 5; nd e 7 is. a irssme tat s ive view shewhs a st ll iu ih ms iiieei iqh h th s ihhshi for the weighing platformj Re erri mere, h irt sii si'l he the ed swh ih re he um a '9 i hhlq e generally desi na e a We h n d vise ei h 'seiy h h s ent ii i eh- This. iev s r urhese s i ti'at hh vis shsw iii th .i ih s lhh t h sca e whic ut izes he be m and be shse ei a mean of lldi ill th wei t or tossed a ,le dt w ll-o eeu se he iihds ie d hat ether w ie e sad in ica ng hes ma yed s n e he d t e sehld very rea he s s lciated with some other type of indicating mechahisrh- A bas is pr vi ed w h id s a .e tensie o hiihi atis 1 T P t ular death, s ze, or onto r 9f h le e i s he .1??? por-tance in the present invention and is merely h w he be ifh e tl his he s he the ,she t ye herbs s theiiev s and any w i ht' lea t he t st s rhsi hdihe wa l f m he the surface i ,i h s e s e 's ese lu" These 'plairs'of lugs, for .eqrivnience in fl sPrib' i-Qh are be ted ad nt "each jf our corners of that portion of theibase" that Lfofpurposjesfof l k a rse sh hlsi this 'ls i eshshqih shh 'si i ee air is lsuc h to the form of the top 13 of the base i l. Depending from this plate are pairs of lugs H] which may be identical, as to size, and arrangement, with the lugs l4 previously described. The upper ends of the legs I! are projected into the space between the lugs 19 and, being apertured, are secured to the plate I3 by pins 2!. Inasmuch as the legs H are mounted to swing about their pivots in the same direction, it is evident that the plate is may have movement toward the base H in either of two directions and at the same time maintain its parallel relationship with respect to said base.

Since it is desirable to limit the extent of movement of the plate with respect to the base, limiting means is provided which may take the form shown in the drawing. Herein a bar 22, mounted on the top l3 of the base, extends upwardly to within a short distance of the under face of the plate I8. A pair of spaced apart blocks 23 depend from the under face of the plate and are fitted with screws 24. These screws may be turned to bring their inner ends into close proximity with the upper end of the bar and thus limit the extent of movement of the plate I8 on its supporting legs l'l.

Further sets of lugs 26 project upwardly from the top surface of the plate 18. For convenience of disclosure, these sets of lugs may be identical in location and proportions with the lugs previously described. Each of these sets of lugs is fitted with a pin 21 that engages the lower end of an upper leg 28. A platform or weighing table 29, shown to be of approximately the same area as the plate 18, is provided with de- K pending sets of lugs 3| which are fitted with pins 32 that engage the upper ends of the upper legs 28. It will of course be understood that the invention thus far described is not limited to the relative proportions shown for the legs I! and 28 or plate l8, and that these parts represent one form of structure intended for use between a fixed support and any load sustaining means.

The extension 12 of the base ll mounts a standard 33. This standard may be hollow as indicated in the drawing, and formed with archway openings 34 on opposite sides thereof. Slightly above the inner archway, the standard mounts a rod 36. This rod may be secured in any suitable manner to the standard such, for example, as by welding or through the use of the strap-like bracket 3'! shown in the drawing. In the present disclosure, the ends of the rod extend beyond the lateral limits of the standard and serve to support corresponding ends of a pair of parallel links 38 by means of pivot pins 39. The other ends of the links 38 are joined through pins 4| to sets of lugs 42 that depend from an end of the weighing platform 29. It will be apparent that links 38 serve to control or prescribe a path of downward and upward movement for the platform by causing it to swing in an are that has its center in the pins 39. These links also determine the extent of incline of legs 28 which, as will later be brought out, is of importance in calibrating the device.

The plate I8 is formed with a central aperture 43. One of the walls of this aperture mounts a bearing 44 located at one end of an arm 46. A further slot 41, in the plate i8, normally receives the arm 46. The other end of arm 46 is fitted with a bail 49 to which one end of a draft rod 51 is secured. The other end of this rod (see Fig. 1) terminates in a yoke 52 that pivotally engages one end of a beam 53. Adjacent the yoke 52, the beam is pivotally supported, as indicated at 54, by upstanding lugs 56 on the standard 33'. The lower end of the beam mounts the usual poise 5'! and weight 58. At a predetermined point between the ends of arm 46, a pivotal connection 59 is provided which, through a pin GI, connects said arm with corresponding ends of a pair of parallel links 82. These links project through the archway 34 and are secured for pivotal movement by a pin 63 carried by lugs '64 that extend upwardly from the extreme end of the base extension [2.

A modification of the structure described is shown in Figs. 5 and 6 of the drawing. For convenience of disclosure, those parts similar to the parts previously described bear the identical reference numerals; only the parts embodying the modification being set out in detail. Referring particularly to Fig. 6, it will be noted that the base II is fitted with two elongated blocks 66, having upwardly opening, V- shaped recesses '81. The intermediate plate I8 is provided with two blocks 68 that depend from its under surface. These last named blocks are each formed with a downwardly opening, V- shaped recess. A bar 69, of approximately the length of block 66, is formed with pointed edges H. The lower edge of each bar rests in the recess 61 of block 66, whereas the upper edge is seated in the V-shaped recess of the plate blocks 68. Secured to the upper face of the plate [8 and the under face of the platform 29, are further blocks 12 and 13 respectively, and of course the platform is supported in spaced relationship to the plate by further or upper bars 14. It will be evident that this modification of the invention provides support for the plate 18 and platform 29 through the use of members having little inertia effect.

A further modification of the structure of Fig. 1 may be successfully utilized in place of the parallel links 38. Following out the use of the bars and blocks above described, it is proposed to provide a depending bracket 15 at one end of the platform 29. Mounted in this bracket is a block 16 that is formed with a laterally extending, V-shaped opening. Secured to the inher face of the standard 33 is a bracket 11. Th1s bracket mounts a block 18, identical to, but arranged in opposed relationship to the block 16. A bar 19 is formed with pointed ends that seat in the recesses of blocks 16 and 18. Bar 19 defines a downward path of movement of platform 29 in a manner similar to the parallel links 38. It will of course be understood that in the initial set-up of the device, bars 14 are slightly inclined in the direction and manner indicated in the drawing and, thus, the end contact of the horizontal bar 19 with its respective blocks is maintained. Furthermore, by changing the length of bar 19 and adjusting one or both blocks 16 and I8, the incline of bars 14 will be altered and a change in calibration effected.

To further carry out the point-contact of the [VELIIOLIS operative parts as already described in connection with the modification shown in Fig. 5, it will be noted that the inner end of arm 46 is provided with a collar 8| through which a pointed pivot pin 82 projects. The ends of this pin rest in V-shaped blocks 83, secured to one wall of the aperture 43 in plate l8. The other end of arm 46 mounts a pivot pin 94 which, as intended, has point-contact with the looped ends 86 of a bail formed on the lower end of the draft rod 5|. Similarly, the ends of the parallel links '62 are formed with hearing rings 81. The hearing rings, at the inner ends of these links, re cei-ve a pivot in 88, carried by the arm 46. The outer Ibearing rings of these links receivepivot pins 89. .It is evident that the modification of Fig. '5 in its entirety presentsstructure intended to greatly reduce or eliminate any inertia effect by providing point or sharp-edge contact for all of the connected moving parts. It will also be understood that a change in the angular rela. tionship of arm 46 and links 62 will effect a change in the calibration of the device. Such change may be made in conjunction with any change in the angular position of bars 14.

A further modification of the invention .is suggested in the fragmentary view of Fig. 7. Herein the intermediate plate l8 and platform 29 are supported through-the use of plate fulcra members 9|. These members may .be. four in number and located similarly to the legs H, or two in number and .of more extensive propor+ tions such, for example, as the bars 69 and M. In any case, the lower end of each member is suitably secured to the base H and, at a point somewhat above, is formed with opposed grooves or recesses '92 which produce a narrow, flexible,

neck-like portion '93. Above the portion 93 the member is of more substantial proportions and again, just beneath the plate 18, a further neck portion 94 is provided. Similarly, directly above the plate l8 and directly beneath the platform 29 this member includes further flexible neck portions 96 and 91 respectively. The upper end of the member is of course ri idly d, in any suitable manner, to the under side of the platform 29. In this modification, the upper portion of the member 9|-that is, the part between late l8 and platform 29-is slightly inclined in the same manner and probably at the same inclination as the bars 14 shown in Figs. 5 and 6. Herein the flexible neck-like portions serve as the equivalent of the pivotal connections for the legs IT, or the point contacts of bars 69. It is mentioned that, in this modification, a somewhat different arrangement of the various links, bars, and arms must be made to overcome the slight inertia required to flex or bend the member 9| in the manner required. One method of overcoming this would of course be through the use of a longer beam 53 and heavier weights 58. A further means of compensating for this construction might also be to change the rela; tive lengths and locations of the pivotal connections of arm 46, links 62, etc. As the point contact was carried out with all moving parts in the modification of Fig. 5, so may plate fulcra members be substituted for links 38, bar '19, arm 46, and links 62.

Inasmuch as the three modifications of the invention shown operate in the same manner, a description of the use of the device will be directed primarily to the modification shown in Figs. 1 through 4. It will be observed that the legs l1 and 28, or their equivalents in the other modifications, are essentially toggles which are initially set to a predetermined out of line position, this being controlled by adjustment of screws 24. In all modifications these toggles support the weighing platform and thus are at all times under compression. It is also to be noted that arm 46 and links 62 cooperate to form another toggle which, by reason of the pull or poise 5! or weight 58, through draft'rod 5|, places this toggle under tension. Now, if the initial lateral deflection of legs 28 is one-tenth the leg length, then any given force or load on the platform will cause the toggle under compression to exert a lateral force of one-tenth of the platform load. Similarly, the initial angular deflection of links 62 with respect .to arm 46 is one-tenth the links length. Thus the lateral pull of the toggle under compression tends to straighten the toggle under tension and to an extent that is one-tenth of said lateral pull. It may be assumed that .a load or weight is applied to the platform 29. For purposes of explanation, this load is considered to be 1000 pounds. The upper legs 28, that con stitute the support and .connection between plate [Band platform 29, are inclined to anextent that lugs 26 are out of the vertical plane of lugs 3| one-tenth of the vertical distance between pins 21 and 32. The inclined legs .28 exert a down.- ward force of a thousand pounds on the inter.- mediate plate It but they also exert a horizontal force toward the left, as viewed in the drawing. on said plate and this force to the left, because of the initial inclination of legs 28, would only be one hundred pounds, or one-tenth of the load on the platform. Thus, the intermediate plate 6 will have an initial pull on the horizontal arm 46 of one hundred pounds, or one-tenth of the load on the platform. Links 62, attached to the initially horizontal arm 46, are inclined with respect to this arm at a downward slope of one in ten. Those ends of the links 62 connected with this arm, tend to move downwardly with a force of one-tenth of the horizontal pull of plate -|8 Since this horizontal pull has been shown to be one hundred ounds, the point of connection of links 62 and arm 46 would move downwardly with a force of ten pounds, or one-tenth of this horizontal pull.' The drawing suggests that arm 46 extends to the right beyond the pivotal connection thereof with links 62. Attached to the end of this arm is draft rod 5|, on which said arm exerts a downward pull of less than ten pounds to pivotally move the beam 53. Under these circumstances, arm 46 acts as a. lever with fulcra at 44, 6|, and 49. The actual amount of downward pull on the rod 5| depends on the ratio of distance 44 to 6| and 44 to 49. The rod 5| might be connected with the arm 46 at some point other than its extreme end and thus the downward force exerted on said rod would be changed and the extent to which the beam was required to move to give an indication of balance would be altered. It will be understood that the drawings sersve primarily to illustrate the invention and are not intended to be an accurate reproduction of the parts and their relative lengths and pivotal relationship as set out in the illustration of the one thousand pounds load applied to the platform 29.

Although applicant has shown only one general form of his invention and three variations of a support for a weighing platform or table, it Will be understood that the structure may be otherwise modified to further render the device capable of accurately Weighing all manner of loads or materials and it is therefore contemplated that such modifications are within the spirit and scope of the invention insofar as they are set out in the annexed claims.

Having thus set forth my invention, what I claim as new and for which I desire protection by Letters Patent is:

1. A device of the class described comprising load sustaining means, said means being movable under the force of an applied load in a given direction, a load indicating mechanism, two toggles arranged in series connecting said load means with said mechanism, one of said toggles being under compression and exerting a predetermined proportion of the force applied thereto by said load means on the other of said toggle, said other toggle being under tension and exerting a predetermined proportion of the force applied thereto on said mechanism.

2. A device of the class described comprising load sustaining means capable of exerting the force of an applied load in a given direction, a base, a first pair of pivotally connected members interposed between and having connection with said load means and said base, one of said members being normally inclined with respect to the direction of force applicable to said members by said load means, a mechanism for indicating the force of a load applied to said load means, a second pair of pivotally connected members, one of the members of said second pair being connected with said first pair of members adjacent the pivotal connection of said first members, and linkage connecting said mechanism with said second pair of members adjacent their pivotal connection and serving to transmit a predetermined proportion of the load to said mechanism.

3. A device of the class described comprising a load sustaining member, a load indicating mechanism, first toggle means under compression supporting said member, and further toggle means under tension connecting said first means with said mechanism, the extent of compression of said first means being initially equal to the extent of tension of said further means.

4. A device of the class described comprising a. load sustaining member, a load indicating mechanism, a toggle under initial predetermined compression supporting said member, and a second toggle under initial predetermined tension connecting the first toggle with said mechanism, the relationship of the toggles being such as to exert a predetermined proportion of a load on said member to said mechanism.

5. A device of the class described comprising a load sustaining member, a load indicating mechanism, a first toggle under initialpredetermined compression connected at one end with said member, a second toggle under initial predetermined tension connected at one end with the intermediate portion of said first toggle, and linkage connecting an intermediate portion of said second toggle with said mechanism.

6. A device of the class described comprising a load sustaining member, a load indicating mechanism, a first toggle under initial predetermined compression, and a second toggle under initial predetermined tension, said toggles being arranged in series and connecting said load sustaining member with said indicating mechanism whereby to exert a predetermined proportion of the force on said member to said mechanism.

HERBERT L. MACBRIDE.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Name Date 334,051 Redline Jan. 12, 1886 2,307,917 Cle'well Jan. 12, 1943 2,352,935 Bohannan July 4, 1944 2,395,784 Honegger Feb. 26, 1946 FOREIGN PATENTS Number Country Date 149,619 Germany Nov. 29, 1902 

